SEATTLE — The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is asking for patience as the summer construction season continues to impact drivers in Seattle and across the greater region.
"We have this narrow window of time that we can do the work that we need to repair the roads," said WSDOT spokesperson Lauren Loebsack.
One of the major projects slowing traffic work to widen Interstate 405 from Bellevue to Renton.
"Just today on my way home from work, Coal Creek Parkway was backed up all the way to 90. I waited for 45 minutes," one motorist said.
Last weekend, I-405 was shut down in both directions. This week, WSDOT has been installing drainage equipment near Main Street in Bellevue.
In Renton, crews have been working near the Cedar River and from SE 64th Street through Sunset Blvd NE to demolish a bridge.
WSDOT said the overall project will result in improvements for all drivers.
"The I-405 Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes project includes multimodal transportation improvements to offer more reliable travel choices and keep drivers, transit riders and freight moving," the agency wrote on its website.
"I just came this way, I was going to park in this lot and had to turn around and go back... it took me 15 minutes," another driver said.
Work also continues on State Route 520 from Seattle to the eastside.
WSDOT is planning closures between North Street and East Montlake Place and 24th Avenue East from July 22-29.
SR 520 and SR 520 Trail will be closed in both directions across Lake Washington from July 26-29.
Montlake Boulevard, Lake Washington Boulevard and associated on and off ramps will be closed starting Friday through July 22.
For more information about the ongoing SR 520 project, click here.
For additional construction updates, visit WSDOT's construction and planning website.